“ The new tools for information and communication are so different than they were 20 years ago. It’s a very powerful and exponential change and the reason why this generation is ready to go into and change the world,” Kakabadse beams. “They are much more interested in the powers they hold, and that makes a tremendous difference. It has created a generation with fantastic new ideas.” One of the issues she passionately shares with them is the need to protect the earth’s water. Calling it the most basic need of humanity, Kakabadse draws attention to how it affects all of us, from national governments to every society. “ One of the reasons I like the issue of water being so important is because the individual is as important as the policy maker. In the household or at the office, in any group or in any town, both the child and the adult can take action to be responsible with the use of water.” When asked what she wants her legacy to be, Kakabadse shrugs. She admits to not thinking that much about it but adds she does want people to know there are two things in life she will never waver on: responsibility and attitude. “ When you talk about the environment you cannot excuse any sector of society. It’s everyone’s job to find solutions. The environmentalists aren’t the only ones or should never be the only ones looking for solutions,” Kakabadse stresses. “The other thing is an attitude towards life. Never stop being amazed by what you learn and what you see every day. There’s never space for either boredom or an attitude of ‘I know everything.’” Watch Yolanda Kakabadse’s keynote address, “Destination You: The Future of Our Planet,” and view pictures from her visit to Webster University at www.webster.edu/notabene2012.
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